Organisers have hailed another successful edition of the Rota do Petisco gastronomic route, which sees restaurants across the Algarve serving special ‘petiscos’ (small-sized dishes) for around a month.
Teia D’Impulsos, the association that organises the event which took place between September 10 and October 10, said it helped spark the recovery of restaurants in the Algarve at a time when they are still getting back on their feet due to the effects of the pandemic.
The event is said to have generated a “direct economic impact of around €400,000,” with over 135,000 ‘petiscos’ sold – an increase of over 20% compared to the 2020 edition.
Nuno Viera, the event’s coordinator, said that hosting the event in 2021 posed a challenge for the association due to the “difficulties” imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Thankfully, the receptiveness of restaurants, partners and clients to embrace yet another ‘Rota’ made this edition another case of success,” said Vieira, adding that organisers are already planning the return of the event in 2022.
The Rota do Petisco’s concept is simple: each participating restaurant presents a tapas-size dish or dessert at “very inviting prices”. All kinds of eateries take part, from traditional Portuguese ‘tascas’ to Asian and Italian restaurants.
The goal is to encourage people to discover new restaurants and new foods.
Meanwhile, organisers also announced that they have raised around €20,000 for charity through the sales of the event’s passport – which was sold for €1.5 as a guide to the participating eateries.
This year, the money raised will go to nine entities: Associação de Dadores de Sangue do Barlavento do Algarve (ADSBA), Bombeiros Voluntários de Monchique e de São Brás de Alportel, Casa do Povo de São Bartolomeu de Messines, Centro de Apoio ao Sem Abrigo, ECOS – Oficina de Dança, Fundação Irene Rolo, Grupo Desportivo Odeceixense and HELP – Apoio ao Cuidador.
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